– Gold Cup Champion Papineau’s Passing at 24
– Therapeutic Horse Papineau’s Sad Demise.
Beloved Racehorse Papineau Passes Away at the Age of 24
In a sad turn of events, Papineau, the racehorse whose 2004 Gold Cup win was only a glimpse of his remarkable post-racing achievements with Godolphin, has tragically passed away at the age of 24. The news of his death has left the racing community in mourning.
A Remarkable Journey from Foal to Champion
Papineau, a half-brother to the St Leger hero Silver Patriarch, was bred by the late Peter Winfield and quickly caught the attention of racing enthusiasts. In 2000, he was purchased for 85,000gns ($128,707) as a foal at Tattersalls, marking the beginning of his incredible journey in the Godolphin system.
Under the guidance of renowned trainers Andre Fabre and Saeed bin Suroor, Papineau showcased his talent on the racetrack. He secured a notable victory in a listed race in France at the age of 3 and went on to win the prestigious Henry II Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot, defeating a stellar field that included Westerner, Brian Boru, and Mr Dinos.
A Life Beyond Racing
Retiring from racing in 2005 after an impressive career that saw him win five of his nine starts, Papineau embarked on a new chapter of his life. He was retrained and excelled in both affiliated dressage and Racehorse to Riding Horse show classes, becoming an integral part of Godolphin’s Lifetime Care program.
In 2016, Papineau moved to Godolphin’s pre-training facility at Hamilton Hill in Newmarket, where he played a vital role in leading out the yearlings each morning. He remained an active presence, participating in various events such as Newmarket’s open weekend, Retraining of Racehorses parades, and the Au-Dela des Pistes display in Deauville.
Furthermore, Papineau enthusiastically took part in the Godolphin Beacon Project, visiting schools alongside Godolphin, Newmarket Academy, and the education charity Racing to School. His gentle nature and undeniable charisma left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
A New Role in Equine-Assisted Therapy
After retiring to Woodditton Stud, Papineau found himself embracing a new role in equine-assisted therapy. Under the dedicated care of stud groom Geraldine Jones and her daughter Megan, he brought immense joy and relief to patients and their families during visits to Newmarket Hospital and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
His exceptional contributions to the community did not go unnoticed. Last month, Papineau was honored as a finalist in the Community Impact Award by RoR, a testament to the positive impact he had on countless lives.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Despite his overall good health, Papineau was recently diagnosed with heart issues, which ultimately led to his untimely demise. The news of his passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Saeed bin Suroor, Papineau’s trainer, fondly remembered his time with the horse, stating, “Papineau was an absolute pleasure to train, and his Gold Cup win at Ascot will forever hold a special place in my heart. His achievements after retirement are a testament to the incredible bond he formed with his human counterparts.”
Liam O’Rourke, Godolphin’s director of stud, stallions, and breeding, expressed his deep sadness, saying, “Papineau’s impact extended far beyond the racing industry. He touched the lives of many, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
Papineau’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us of the profound bond between humans and horses and the positive impact they can have on one another’s lives.
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1. Gold Cup Winner Therapy Horse Papineau Dies at 24
2. Therapy Horse Papineau Dies at 24.
